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Elementary analysis of the special relativistic combination of velocities, Wigner rotation and Thomas precession

Kane O'Donnell, +1 more
- 01 Jul 2011 - 
- Vol. 32, Iss: 4, pp 1033-1047
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TLDR
The authors provided an elementary introduction to the qualitative and quantitative results of velocity combination in special relativity, including the Wigner rotation and Thomas precession, in arguments presented at three differing levels: (1) utterly elementary, which will suit a first course in relativity; (2) intermediate, to suit a second course; and (3) advanced, to fit higher level students.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an elementary introduction to the qualitative and quantitative results of velocity combination in special relativity, including the Wigner rotation and Thomas precession. We utilize only the most familiar tools of special relativity, in arguments presented at three differing levels: (1) utterly elementary, which will suit a first course in relativity; (2) intermediate, to suit a second course; and (3) advanced, to suit higher level students. We then give a summary of useful results and suggest further reading in this often obscure field.

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Journal ArticleDOI

The transfer matrix: A geometrical perspective

TL;DR: In this article, the use of the transfer matrix to study propagation in one-dimensional lossless systems, including a variety of examples, such as superlattices, photonic crystals, and optical resonators, is discussed.
Journal ArticleDOI

The transfer matrix: a geometrical perspective

TL;DR: In this article, the use of the transfer matrix to study propagation in one-dimensional lossless systems, including a variety of examples, such as superlattices, photonic crystals, and optical resonators, is discussed.
Journal ArticleDOI

Comment on ‘Elementary analysis of the special relativistic combination of velocities, Wigner rotation and Thomas precession’

TL;DR: In this article, a straightforward method to attribute the formal calculations performed by O'Donnell and Visser to the relativistic effect of Wigner or Thomas rotation is proposed.
Journal ArticleDOI

Gyroscope precession along bound equatorial plane orbits around a Kerr black hole

TL;DR: In this article, the precession of a test gyroscope along stable bound equatorial plane orbits around a Kerr black hole is analyzed, and the angular velocity of the gyro's parallel transported spin vector and the increment in the precess angle after one orbital period is evaluated.
References
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Book

Classical Electrodynamics

The theory of relativity

C. Moeller
Journal ArticleDOI

The theory of relativity